SpaceX assembling rocket
Space X this week is assembling the first version of a new rocket that could someday launch American astronauts from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station.
The preparation of the first Falcon 9 rocket is a big step for the upstart space company, which has become the virtual front-runner in the White House's new plan to privatize
human space flights
to low-Earth orbit in the
post-shuttle era.
The first launch of the new rocket is tentatively scheduled for March 8, although SpaceX officials acknowledge there could be more delays.
"I think we'll be in that ballpark," Scott Henderson, SpaceX director of mission assurance and integration, said Tuesday at the National Space Club luncheon.
The White House gave a
major boost to the commercial aerospace industry last week, canceling the post-shuttle Constellation moon rocket program and offering an additional $6 billion over five years toward the development of commercial rockets for human flights.
Facing a somewhat jealous, somewhat skeptical audience, Henderson outlined what a "commercial" space industry might look like.
SpaceX maintains it can carry cargo to the International Space Station for a fifth the cost of some of its more experienced competitors.
"I think there's concern, but I don't think there's any resentment," Space Club president Michael Maier said. "Whenever you have a big change in direction like this, it creates anxiety until you see the future path."
With an unproven rocket, SpaceX is working to fulfill nearly $2 billion in NASA contracts, covering at least 15 launches, to carry cargo to the space station.
"SpaceX is the darling of the (space) community," said Jerry Jamison, United Launch Alliance's vice president of launch operations.
"They're competitors, but they've got to come into their own. Their competitiveness in the market is good for everybody," Jamison said.
ULA, Jamison said, eventually will compete in the commercial launch marketplace. The company has said it might launch cargo or crew on its already tested Delta IV or Atlas V rockets, which would be modified.
"We're in the wings waiting for all that to settle out," he said.
With 800 employees nationwide, SpaceX has 50 workers in Florida. With a track record that includes three failures and two successes of the smaller Falcon 1, the company is planning for 29 scheduled launches, booked by customers attracted by the low price.
Before it can launch the Falcon 9, SpaceX's safety procedures must be approved by the Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration.
"We gotta prove we can get to orbit first," Henderson said.
Additional Facts
Launch plan
SpaceX's scheduled events at Launch Complex 40: Feb. 18, tanking test
Feb 22, engine test
March 8, tentative launch
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